In the next few months, I will be doing a lot of traveling. I’m not going to be able to attend as many events as I usually do, so please try to understand. As for my health, it goes through its ups and downs, but you can’t keep an old war horse like me down for long.

I have always had the greatest respect for our many bar owners who have given back to the community. For decades they have been there with countless contributions and support for the community as a whole, but sometimes I think they could do more for their customers.

Just last weekend, a young man left a certain bar very intoxicated and was severely beaten by two men. This was an obvious hate crime because the assailants called him a faggot while they beat him. The victim is afraid to report the incident. Although the blame for the assault clearly rests with his homophobic attackers, the bar could have done more to ensure his safety, and the victim never should have been allowed to leave in that condition. Furthermore, the bartender should never have allowed him to get that intoxicated. He should have been cut off. Our bars can and must do more to protect their customers.

One thing they could do is to make announcements at last call reminding customers to be careful when leaving the bar and to avoid walking home or to their cars alone. Bars also need to stop over-pouring. This can lead to customers getting more intoxicated than they realize or intended by the time they leave the bar. Bars should also post the new Stonewall Citizens Patrol (SCP) safety posters on doors, and security should remind customers to be safe.

Speaking of the Stonewall Citizens Patrol, so far the only organizations that have given money to the SCP are the Imperial Court and San Diego Pride. Bar owners should re-establish the San Diego Tavern Guild and attend SCP meetings. I know the bars care about their customers and the recent rise in crime, and we need their help now more than ever.

In the meantime, we can help make our neighborhoods safer by continuing to report burned-out street lights to Councilmember Toni Atkins’ office.

The beautiful Shirley Theatre at the University of San Diego was the site of County Supervisor Ron Roberts’ State of the County address. Hundreds of people packed the hall and listened to Robert’s report on our county’s current condition and his plans for the future. His report was very well-received, and it was nice to see Robert’s 3-year-old grandson lead us in the pledge of allegiance. Of course, Robert’s beautiful wife of 42 years, Helene, was in attendance. Bob Lehman, the first openly gay veteran appointed to the county’s Veterans Advisory Board and fellow member Ben F. Dillingham were also present. There was a reception after the event with outstanding food.

From the Supervisor Roberts event, I rushed to Terra Restaurant in the Uptown District for a dinner meeting with Matt Foreman, the very well-respected national executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. For the last four years, Foreman has led the NGLTF to a totally new level, and it has become one of the most respected and diverse GLBT organizations in the country, largely due to his leadership. Foreman was in town from Washington, D.C., to see his parents off on a cruise. We had a really great time discussing politics, the state of our national GLBT movement and just plain off-the-record social talk.

I am honored that more than 30 San Diegans are traveling to Seattle, Wash., next week to witness my official installation as the head of the International Imperial Court system. The Imperial Court is the second largest GLBT organization in the world, with chapters in more than 68 cities in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. I will be succeeding Jose Sarria, who was the first openly gay candidate in the U.S. to run for public office in the 1960s.

The weeklong celebration will include many events concluding with a state dinner. There will be a special San Diego reception Friday night, and even some city officials will be in attendance. I hope to take our GLBT version of an Elks/Shriners organization into 42 more years of outstanding service.

Bourbon Street is going all out for its annual Mardi Gras blowout with a wild and fun weeklong event it’s calling “Seven Days of Decadence.” The event starts Wednesday, Feb. 14, and runs through Fat Tuesday on Feb. 20. It’s going to be seven days of cash, prizes, wet underwear contests, hot go-go boys, drinks, singer Ashley Mattee, great DJs and tons of beads. Just follow the always huge crowds. It all starts next Wednesday with a special Valentine’s Day bingo night. For more information, call (619) 291-4043 or www.bourbonstreetsd.com.

Yes, I know I said I would try to be nicer in the new year, but sometimes you can just take so much petty bullcrap. In last week’s letters to the editor, one Donn Lavigne wrote three paragraphs slamming Councilmember Toni Atkins and said that he would never vote for her. He then went on to blast our Mayor Jerry Sanders. Donn, you’re entitled to your opinion – though it’s all wrong and without merit – but you couldn’t just end it there. You had to add a p.s. calling my column trash and asking why press releases are issued by me. Well, Donn, because I belong to organizations – they do press releases, you idiot. I’ve never met you, but from the sound of you, I wouldn’t pee on you if you were on fire.

The world famous comedian/actress Varla Jean Merman will be in San Diego for one night only for her usual hilarious show that will leave you laughing in the aisles. She has received rave reviews from New York to Hollywood, and I just love her. She is outrageous and should have her own television show. The two shows will be at 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. at Martinis Above Fourth. Tickets are only $20 (what a deal), so call (619) 400-4500 today because they’re selling fast. I hope to make it back from Seattle to make her show. She is simply fabulous!